Thread: Some help/input on Parametric Equations problem

Hey everyone, I need some help on a parametric equations problem. It says:

Find parametric equations representing the line segment joining P(-1,5) to Q(4,-1) as [x(t),y(t)], 0<t<1
where,
P= [x(0),y(0)] , Q= [x(1),y(1)] and x(t) and y(t) are linear functions of t.

It doesn't seem too difficult, but I am confused as to how to solve this problem. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Originally Posted by Beevo

Hey everyone, I need some help on a parametric equations problem. It says:

Find parametric equations representing the line segment joining P(-1,5) to Q(4,-1) as [x(t),y(t)], 0<t<1
where,
P= [x(0),y(0)] , Q= [x(1),y(1)] and x(t) and y(t) are linear functions of t.

It doesn't seem too difficult, but I am confused as to how to solve this problem. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, thanks.

A line is simply an infinitely long vector that has position determined by a point.

What is the vector PQ or QP? How can you make it infinitely long? How can you position it from one of the points?

Originally Posted by Prove It

A line is simply an infinitely long vector that has position determined by a point.

What is the vector PQ or QP? How can you make it infinitely long? How can you position it from one of the points?

Not quite sure. I haven't learned about vectors yet in Calculus.

You need a linear function x(t) with x(0)=-1 and x(1)=4. Can you figure out what x(t) is?

- Hollywood